He was remanded
in custody yesterday in a case in which he is facing five accounts of rape and
13 counts of fraud.
Magaya has been
in custody since he was arrested in a dramatic police raid at his prayer
mountain in the early hours of Saturday.
He was arrested
together with his wife, Tendai, who was released on US$500 bail yesterday.
However, Harare
regional magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa said she had no jurisdiction to grant
Magaya bail, in the rape case, since this was a third schedule offence.
Magaya is set
to miss PHD’s Night of Turnaround, which is set for Friday at the ministry’s
headquarters in Waterfalls, Harare.
PHD Ministries
annual Night of Turnaround is one of the biggest events on their calendar and
has traditionally attracted the biggest number of people.
It has in the
past attracted followers from neighbouring countries – South Africa, Zambia,
Botswana, Mozambique and Namibia.
However, it
would be interesting to see the impact that Magaya’s legal woes will have on
the attendance this week.
In an audio
message posted on the PHD WhatsApp group, Magaya addressed the legal woes he is
facing.
“I am carrying
a big cross right now which is necessary for growth and deliverance of your
life, come for the night of turnaround,” he said.
“The trial I am
facing is for the benefit of my spirit, sanctification, my uplift.”
He has been
fasting and praying for several days, during the countdown to the Night of
Turnaround, before events took a dramatic turn on Saturday morning.
Magaya’s
fasting was expected to end today.
There has been
concern that the Night of Turnaround could be shelved this year in the wake of
the legal challenges facing Magaya.
However, one of
the most senior figures at PHD, Overseer Admire Mango, said they will not
postpone the event.
“The Night of
Turnaround will go ahead, regardless of our leader’s current situation,” he
said.
“We respect the
laws of our country and await the course of justice.
“It’s essential
that we honour court proceedings.
“This is a
phase beyond our control but we trust that God is in complete command.”
He urged the
PHD Ministry family to remain steadfast in their faith and in praying for their
leader’s freedom.
On Sunday, PHD
senior leader Timothy Marasha delivered a sermon at the church, drawing
inspiration from Luke 4:1. H Metro
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